The primary quality of a personality is Volition. Will your decisions move you toward a meaningful goal–or at least a Utilitarian one? Let the highest values guide your choices.
VOLITION
Definitions: (1) having the power to choose; willful; (2) forming a purpose or an opinion; decisive; self-determinative
Derivation: Medieval Latin, “I wish” {17th century: a decision or choice made after deliberation}
Quotes:
• The true test of a leader is whether his followers will adhere to his cause from their own volition, enduring the most arduous hardships without being forced to do so, and remaining steadfast in the moments of greatest peril. — Xenophon (c. 430-354 bc) Athenian general, philosopher, & historian
• We see that every external motion, act, gesture, whether voluntary or mechanical, organic or mental, is produced and preceded by internal feeling or emotion, will or volition, and thought or mind. — Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831-1891) Russian & American mystic & author
UTILITARIAN
Definitions: (1) possessing the quality or property of being useful; (2) utilitarianism <an ethical doctrine that seeks the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people>
Quotes:
• Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful. — William Morris (1834-1896) British textile designer, poet, artist, & fantasy writer
• To be a utilitarian means that you judge actions as right or wrong in accordance with whether they have good consequences. So you try to do what will have the best consequences for all of those affected. — Peter Albert David Singer(1946-) Australian moral philosopher